Hello!

I recently replaced my 1993 Protege (SOHC) A/C compressor, expansion valve and dryer/accumulator. My A/C blows ice cold (yea!) however, now that the compressor kicks in, it seems to sap some engine RPM's. Periodically (about once every other drive) when I come to a stop and push in the clutch, or when I exit the freeway, the engine RPM's drop low (below 750 RPM) and the car will quietly stall (I couldn't hear it die, but I could feel the power steering turn off). Sometimes I can let the clutch out at speed and start it again in gear.

I replaced the spark plugs, ignition wires, coil wire, distributor cap & rotor, air filter, PCV valve and valve cover exhaust hose (was split). The car runs better, but the problem was not solved (I think it needed about every one of the above replacements).

To my layman's mind, it would seem that the idle speed would need to be raised a bit, but from what I have read, the idle is controlled by sensors and throttle position sensors; turning the idle screw can only make things worse by overcompensating one sensor or another.

How should I approach this problem?

When the compressor switches on, my car seems to idle below 750 RPMs and stalls periodically.